Content Continuation System and Method

ABSTRACT

A content delivery system and method for use with plurality of digital multimedia data processing systems and legacy systems spanning across one or more network environments. The system and method enable users with freedom of mobility while maintaining access to the user&#39;s selected content while the user transitions from one device in one location to a different device in a difference location, substantially without interruption and without the need for user action to turn on and off these target data processing systems. The Instant Invention can provide high bandwidth content delivery solutions based upon hardware and software components by activating a Target device while the system is proximate to the Target device and, in one embodiment, automatically redirecting the content while the system is proximate to a new Target device without user intervention. The Target devices include digital multimedia data processing systems and legacy systems including, but not limited to, HDTVs, TV, Personal Computers, digital music systems, printers, radios, and fax machines.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/848,896 filed Mar. 22, 2013 by the inventorFrank C. Wang and entitled “Content Delivery System and Method”(sometimes called herein the “Content Delivery Patent”).

The Content Delivery Patent is a continuation patent application of apreviously-filed (and, on its filing, co-pending with) patentapplication entitled “Content Delivery System and Method” filed Jan. 14,2011 as Ser. No. 12/930,727 by Frank C. Wang and entitled “ContentDelivery System and Method”. This patent application detailed in thisparagraph issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,412,798 on Apr. 2, 2013.

The Content Delivery Patent is also a continuation-in-part patentapplication of a previously-filed (and, on its filing, co-pending with)patent application entitled “Content Delivery System and Method SpanningMultiple Data Processing Systems” filed Oct. 3, 2009 as Ser. No.12/573,106 by inventor Frank C. Wang. The patent application detailed inthis paragraph issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,938,497 on Jan. 20, 2015.

The present patent application is also related to and, on filing,co-pending with the following patent applications: Ser. No. 14/529,234filed Oct. 31, 2014 entitled “ENHANCED CONTENT DELIVERY SYSTEM ANDMETHOD SPANNING MULTIPLE DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS”; and Ser. No.14/598,825 filed Jan. 16, 2015, entitled “ENHANCED CONTENT CONTINUATIONSYSTEM AND METHOD”.

The specifications and drawings from each of these previously-filedpatents and patent applications are specifically incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a content delivery system and methodfor enabling a user's freedom of mobility while maintaining access to“real-time” on-going content without substantial interruption to thecontent delivery and without requiring user intervention; even as theuser transitions from one physical location where the content isaccessed from multimedia data processing system (referred to as Targetdevice herein) on one network environment to the next physical locationwith different Target device on a different network environment. Moreparticularly, the present invention improves content delivery between aSmart personal device and a plurality of Target devices while reducingpower consumption of the devices; and being able to pull desirablecontent from the Target devices including but not limited to contentslocated on a single network location, on multiple network locations, andcontent hosts located over the internet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

Technology has brought us the personal computer (PC), HDTV, Digitalpersonal Multimedia player, Personal Video Recorder, Smart Phone . . .however in our daily interaction with these analog and digital Targetdevices we are still limited under the current model of being tied downto the physical location of each of these devices, i.e. the content isbeing delivered from a content host to a target device rather than thedelivered content being accessed by user within proximate to the giventarget device whereas the contents are either stored, displayed, orbeing sourced from the target device. The physical distance limitationrestricts a user to sit in front of a target device such as PC, sittingaround a TV and PVR to watch a TV content, which severely limits ourfreedom of mobility especially when a user may have multiple TVs andmultiple work environments in one location. The content is delivered toeach physical device by plurality of ways is another limitation in thata HDTV devices can receive contents from Cable, antenna, satellite dish,USB, Ethernet LAN, Wireless LAN. Even when devices receive content via asimilar source, each device would need to be interface and programmedindividually. Another limitation is that contents are only accessible oneach physical target device with its own unique user interface or beingable to remote controlled. User has to learn the user interface and orcontrol buttons of each device to operate from simple turning on and offto gaining access to the content of a selected device. Another drawbackfrom the current content delivery and accessing model is wasted energyand bandwidth requirements. With multiple target devices around a homeor office, we have to turn on a device when we desire to operate oraccess the contents upon entering its surrounding location. Frequentlywe have these devices turned on in multiple locations so a user can bemobile from one location to another, using transmission bandwidth foreach unit even though a user is no longer proximate to the device.Another drawback from the current content accessing model is that thecontent to be access by the user are store either within these targetdevices or close by the physical device itself i.e. a home entertainmentcenter including a TV, a DVR, a music system . . . etc. As a result,plurality of remote control devices might be implemented to provideusers with access to content and operations with all devices locatedproximate of each other. We are well aware of the inconvenience ofplurality of remote devices around a given location. The inefficiency inthe current model produces undesirable side effects such as in the caseof leaving the devices turned on, which include wasted electricity,running up the usage of the devices thus reducing the useful life anddealing with the heat generated by the devices. In addition, managingmultiple user interfaces and remote controls for each of the devices istime-consuming and can be frustrating. Another undesirable side effectis the potential of interference of these devices on wireless networksamongst each other. One of the disadvantages from the user's perspectiveis the inherent deficiency in the physical range limitation of devicecentered sourcing and control, which prohibits the continuity ofoperations and content access and delivery when user physically movesfrom one location to another.

Accordingly, the prior art systems for delivering and accessing contentfrom these target devices have significant disadvantages andlimitations. It would, therefore, be highly desirable to employ a mobilesmart personal device which can eliminate the problems of theconventional process and allows users to have freedom of mobility whiledelivering and accessing the desired contents spanning multiple Targetdevices without interruption and without requiring user intervention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A Smart personal device is a digital Device which can discover,register, activate, deliver content and deactivate of a plurality ofTarget devices including but not limited to HDTV, PVR, PMP, PC, DVRaround a home, office, hotel room, conference center as describedherein. The Smart personal device can be embedded within a digitaldevice including, but not limited to, a smart phone, a personalcomputer, a laptop, a netbook, a GPS, a personal multimedia player,video MP3 player, a portable radio or a tablet PC.

The Smart personal device is used to first discover multiple Targetdevices upon identifying one or more Target device(s) located proximateto the Smart personal device. The present invention uses RFID solutionfor discovering Target devices around one or more physical locations,although it is not limited to a specific communication technology in thefuture (i.e. wireless USB, wi-fi, RF, FM, Cable, etc). Once a Targetdevice is discovered and registration steps are completed, the Targetdevice in one embodiment to be placed in a sleep mode if the Targetdevice is not being used by a user or there is no Smart personal deviceis in proximate to the Target device. Upon the Smart personal deviceidentifying one or more Target device located proximate to the Smartpersonal device and based on the desired state of the Smart personaldevice, it will automatically wakeup and activate one or more of theTarget devices and deliver content to the Target device to meet the needof the user. These include but not limited to receive and displaycontents from the Personal Smart Device as in the case of a HDTV,receive and play contents from the Smart personal device in the case ofa digital speaker system, receive and display contents of an applicationas in the case of a personal computer. When the Smart personal device isno longer proximate to the Target device, the Target device will bedeactivated by the Personal Smart Device and resume its sleep mode.

The present invention is a system and method which enable a mobile smartpersonal device to store and deliver content to a target device which isproximate to and activated by one smart personal device selected fromplurality of target devices. The content delivery system and method maycomprise the smart personal device and a target device alone or incombination with a third content host device whereby the content isfirst deliver from the content host device to the smart personal devicethen from the smart personal device to the target device either in realtime or using a store and forward method if the target device is notaccessible.

The present invention is a system and method which overcomes thelimitations and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a simple andconvenient way of allowing a user with freedom of mobility and to movefrom one environment to another while continually accessing his contentwithout interruption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features and objects of the presentinvention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent;and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to thefollowing description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art system location-based digitalmultimedia Target devices including HDTV, music system, personalcomputer (PC) for possible use in conjunction with the system and methodof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the exemplary system embodiment of a Smartpersonal device and Target device communication environment which isused in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 3A, and 3B are block diagrams of the exemplary system embodimentof a Smart personal device which is used in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the Instant invention illustrating aselected flow of interaction between a Smart personal device and aTarget device;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the exemplary system embodiment of a Smartpersonal device and multiple digital multimedia devices which areenabled with Direct I/O described in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of the Instant invention illustrating one flowof interaction of a Smart personal device transitioning from a firstTarget device in one location to a second Target device in a differentlocation;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the exemplary system embodiment of a Smartpersonal device and a remote Internet content host which are enabledwith Direct I/O content Pull mode in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of the Instant invention illustrating one flowof interaction between a Smart personal device using a PULL mode withremote content host and local multiple Target devices.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show a file structure useful in practicing a methodfor keeping track of those portions of the selected content which havebeen delivered and/or performed and those portions of the selectedcontent which have not been delivered and/or performed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before describing the preferred embodiment in detail, a description ofsome of the terms used herein may assist the reader to understand thepresent invention.

-   -   DISCOVERY: The Smart personal device enables a user to select a        discovery mode from which the Smart personal device will        discover Target devices which are capable of being interacted by        the Smart personal device. The discovery method currently        contemplated comprises, but is not limited to, using any one or        more of the following: RFID, wireless, powerline, FM, LAN, USB        networking communication media. The preferred embodiment of the        present invention is described in the context of discovering a        RFID device which is built within or associated with each Target        device while a Smart personal device is located proximate to the        Target device. During the discovery process, the Smart personal        device initiates all its tasks and performs all functions while        Target device can be passive and its main electronics other than        the minimal components may be powered off or in low power sleep        mode other than the minimal functions including but not limited        to the RFID and Wake on LAN or Wake on USB. Once the Smart        personal device identifies a suitable Target device located        proximate to the Smart personal device, it will register the        Target device and its functional characteristics such as TV,        HDTV, DVR, Music systems in the Smart personal device's        configuration table. The Smart personal device at its option,        depending on its programming and user and/or system preferences        and requirements may perform a quick test to confirm the Target        device's capability even if the Target device is in active        operation without disrupting any user action to confirm the        Target device's capability. During the quick test, If the Target        device is powered off or in a low power sleep state, the Smart        personal device can wake up the Target device by using an        industry standard method including but not limited to wake on        LAN or wake on USB method. The Smart personal device is capable        to perform rediscovery update operation either upon user's        selection or perform at a fix interval to detect if there is any        new Target device since the last discovery operation. If a new        Target device is discovered the Smart personal device will alert        the user and enable the user to choose to ignore or to add the        newly discovered Target device to the configuration table. A        Target device may include a configuration option for not be        discovered or only be discovered and registered by if the Smart        personal device meets certain parameters including but not        limited to authorize by user, by device type, by password, by        functionality.    -   REGISTRATION or REGISTERING: Upon a successful discovery of a        Target device, the Smart personal device is capable of        registering relevant characteristic of the Target device by        storing in the configuration table of the Smart personal device.        The relevant characteristic of the Target device may include but        not be limited to brand, model, maker, MAC ID, CPU speed, main        memory size, disk storage size and type, network capability,        smart Direct I/O capability, GPS location, input I/O type,        output I/O type. Once registered, the Target device is available        to be woken from a low power sleep state and ready to perform        operation upon command including but not limited to receive and        display content or to transfer content to the Smart personal        device. The present invention uses the Smart personal device to        perform all the necessary discovery and registration tasks        independent of the Target device while the Target device is        passive or in a low power sleep mode. In an alternative        embodiment, the discovery and registration steps can be easily        performed with active participation by the smart personal deice        and Target device. In one embodiment of a related invention the        Target device performs the role of Discovery and Registration        whereby the Target device identifies a Smart personal device        located proximate to the Target device and performs all        operations to discover and register the Smart personal device        while the Smart personal device is passive till the Target        device activates the Smart personal device.    -   ACTIVATION: Once the Smart personal device identifies a Target        device located proximate to the Smart personal device and        confirms in the configuration table that it is a valid and        registered Target device, it will automatically perform a wakeup        commands to the Target device without the awareness of the user.        In addition, if the Smart personal device is being used by the        user to perform an ongoing live operation including but not        limited to a Windows or MAC or Google application such as word        processing, windows office, playing music, video playback, TV        broadcasting program, internet related operations such as        search, news, blogs, purchase, etc., the Smart personal device        will command the Target device to instantaneous switch from the        low power sleep state to an active state to perform I/O        operations on the Target device. The present invention will        enable the Target device, if it's already performing an        operation, to automatically perform a split screen if the Target        device includes a display unit and has the split screen        capability. One or more Target devices may be activated at the        same time within proximate to the smart personal device, i.e. PC        and printer, HDTV and DVR.    -   DELIVERY CONTENTS: Selected Content is delivered from the host        device to the smart personal device, or from selected content of        the Smart personal device to one or more Target devices, or from        selected content of host device to the smart personal device and        thereafter transfer the selected content from the smart personal        device to one or more target devices activated by the smart        personal device based on proximity via various means including        but not limed to wireless Ethernet 802.11 G/B/N/A, USB wireless,        mobile phone wireless, power line, RF, FM etc, e.g. using        industry standards or proprietary communication method(s).    -   In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order to        achieve a desired state (such as near seamless, non-interrupted        content delivery user experience) while the smart personal        device is moving from a first location with a first target        device to a difference second location with a difference second        target device, the smart target device is enabled to not only        deliver content only while it is proximate to the first target        device but also effective using a map showing those portion of        the selected content which have been delivered and those        selected content which have not been delivered. The map may        apply to the smart personal device deliver content within itself        i.e. from its own intelligent storage i/o unit to its display        unit or one of more target device which the smart target device        has activated only while a proximity device within the smart        target device identifies and activates the target device. A        communication device within the data processing system which        delivers portions of a selected content to the first target        device and update the map of the portions of the selected        content have been delivered only while the data processing        system is proximate to the first target device; the        communication device also delivers the selected content to the        second target device which have not been delivered to the first        target device only while the data processing system is proximate        to the second target device. Furthermore in the prefer        embodiment of the present invention the smart personal device        also is enable through its communication device and the        communication device of the target device to maintain a map        showing those portions of the selected content which have been        performed and those portions of the selected content which have        not been performed. This enables the smart personal device once        leaving the first target device of the first location and        identifying and activating the second different target device of        the different second location to start deliver selected content        which have not been performed by the first target device to        ensure seamless and non-interrupted content delivery user        experience. Additionally, if more then on target device are        identified by the proximity device in a location, the smart        target device may enable the user to select a prefer target        device to activate or simply to activate the most recently        activated target device from the detected list

In one embodiment of content delivery methods of the present invention,the selected content stored on a host device is being pulled by thesmart personal device and thereafter the selected content being pushedfrom the smart personal device independent of user interventions to oneor more of the input unit controller of the target device which isproximate to and activated by the smart personal device from pluralityof target devices. The host device, the smart personal device and theselected target device may be coupled on the same network segment or ondifferent network segments. In addition, the received selected contentby the smart personal device maybe pushed to the target device eithernear “real-time” with minimal delay, or as soon as a portion of theselected content is received by the smart personal device (i.e. thesmart personal device is simultaneous receiving new portions of selectedcontent from the host device and transfer the received portions of theselected content to the target device) or the selected content maybestored on a storage area either on the smart personal device or can beaccessed by the smart personal device if the target device is not readyto received.

In another embodiment of content delivery methods of the presentinvention, the selected content stored on a host device is being pulledby the smart personal device and thereafter the selected content beingpulled, by a user intervention, from the smart personal device by one ofthe input unit controller of the target device which proximate to andactivated by the smart personal device from plurality of target devices.The host device, the smart personal device and the target device may becoupled on the same network segment or on different network segments. Inaddition, the received selected content by the smart personal devicemaybe pulled by the target device either near “real-time” with minimaldelay or as soon as a portion of the selected content is received by thesmart personal device (i.e. the smart personal device is simultaneousreceiving new portions of selected content from the host device andtransfer the received portions of the selected content to the targetdevice) or the selected content maybe stored on a storage area either onthe smart personal device or on a storage area accessible by the smartpersonal device if the target device is not ready to receive.

In a different embodiment of the content delivery methods of presentinvention, the selected content stored on a host device is being pushed,independent of use interventions, to the smart personal device andthereafter the selected content being pushed, again without userinterventions, from the smart personal device to one of the input unitcontroller of the target device which proximate to and activated by thesmart personal device from plurality of target devices. The host device,the smart personal device and the target device may be coupled on thesame network segment or on different network segments. In addition, thereceived selected content by the smart personal device maybe pushed tothe target device either near “real-time” with minimal delay or as soonas a portion of the selected content is received by the smart personaldevice (i.e. the smart personal device is simultaneous receiving newportions of selected content from the host device and transferring thereceived portions of the selected content to the target device) or thecontent maybe stored on a storage area either on the smart personaldevice or on a storage area accessible by the smart personal device ifthe target device is not ready to receive.

In a yet-different embodiment of the content delivery method of presentinvention, the selected content stored on a host device is being pushed,(i.e., without user intervention), to the smart personal device andthereafter the pushed content is pulled from the smart personal deviceby one of the input unit controller of the target device which proximateto and activated by the smart personal device from plurality of targetdevices. The host device, the smart personal device and the targetdevice may be coupled on the same network segment or on differentnetwork segments. In addition, the content received by the smartpersonal device may be pulled by the target device either near“real-time” with minimal delay or as soon as a portion of the selectedcontent is received by the smart personal device (i.e. the smartpersonal device is simultaneous receiving new portions of selectedcontent from the host device and transfer the received portions of theselected content to the target device) or the content maybe stored on astorage area either on the smart personal device or on a storage areaaccessible by the smart personal device if the target device is notready to receive.

If the Target device is a HDTV, the input unit controller is capable ofreceiving content from input source including but not limited toantenna, cable, wireless LAN, RF, FM, LAN, wireless USB. If HDTVcomprises a HDTV Core Media Processor than its CPU, main memory, outputunit controller will be activated to receive the content being pushedfrom the Smart personal device using its input unit controller, transmitthe content to the CPU/main memory using the I/O BUS. After the CPUprocess the content, it will transfer the content to the output unitcontroller using the I/O BUS and the output unit controller will displaythe content on the Target device. In this embodiment, the majority ofthe digital logic will be powered to perform the function.

-   -   In another embodiment, whereas the Target device comprising        smart input I/O controller and smart output I/O controller, once        the Target device is being activated by the Smart personal        device and properly configured by the Direct 10 manager of the        Target device, the smart input I/O unit controller is capable of        receiving bulk streaming content from the Smart personal device        and deliver the bulk streaming content directly to the output        I/O unit controller using the I/O BUS independent of the Core        Media Processor and Main Memory. In addition, in this embodiment        of Direct I/O method, the Core Media Processor and Main Memory        can be turned off or to be in a low power sleep mode thus        significantly reducing power required for the operation. This        Direct I/O method may be enabled in devices including but not        limited to HDTV, Music systems, Personal Computers or Target        device comprising at least one smart Input unit controller, one        smart storage unit controller and one smart output unit        controller.    -   In another embodiment, when the Smart personal device is leaving        proximate of one Target device and arriving at a proximate of        different Target device, the Smart personal device upon        detection of it is no longer proximate to the first Target        device, it will deactivate the first target device and it may        store the content in a temporary buffer or a storage unit or to        suspend the content delivery to the Target device by maintaining        a map of the portions of the selected content is delivered, the        portions of the selected content is both delivered and performed        by the target, and the portions of the content is not delivered        to the first target device using the intelligence on the Smart        personal device unit. Upon identifying a new Target device or        back to the original Target device located proximate to the        Smart personal device, it will first deliver the content from        its temporary buffer or storage unit therefore there is no        interruption or loss of the content while the user is        transitioning from one Target device location to the next by        resuming the content delivery by using the map to determine to        either from the portions of the content is delivered or from the        portions of the content is both delivered and performed by the        target device.    -   The present invention describes content delivery from the Smart        personal device to push content to a first HDTV Target device        and redirect the content and push the remaining content to a        second HDTV Target device whereby the Target device located        proximate to the Smart personal device. In another embedment of        the present invention the Smart personal device is receiving a        live digital FM broadcasting contents while delivering the FM        broadcasting contents to a digital speaker system (Target device        #1) in a home location on network #1. When the user is leaving        the above described home location and entering in a second        location i.e. an automobile with a digital speaker system, the        Smart personal device will first deactivate the first Target        device on network #1 when the first Target device is no longer        proximate to the Smart Personal Deice (the first time),        automatically start storing or recording the content from the FM        broadcasting on its storage unit. Upon identifying the digital        speaker system (Target device #2) in the automobile on network        #2 located proximate to the Smart personal device (the second        time), it will activate the Target device #2 and resume the        content delivery from the previous stored content while        continuing storing or recording the current FM broadcasting        content. In the above embodiment, the network #1 whereas the        Smart personal device and the Target device communicate by means        may include but not limited to a wireless Ethernet network.        However the network #2 is a different network from the network        #1 whereas the Smart personal device and Target device #2        communicate by means may include but not limited to a Bluetooth        network.    -   In yet another embodiment, the Smart personal device upon user's        selection is capable of waking up one of more Target devices        from the low power sleep state and performs content search        operation of its neighboring Target devices which has been        enabled for such actions. Once the matching criteria is found,        the Smart personal device will “pull” such content from its        neighboring Target devices and store on the local storage of the        Smart personal device without interrupting its current operation        of either device. The transfer of the content can be performed        using the CPU, memory and the I/O BUS of the neighboring Target        devices, or if the neighboring Target device comprises smart I/O        controllers, the transfer of content can optionally be performed        using a Direct I/O method of transferring content from the smart        storage unit I/O controller to the smart network unit I/O        controller independent of the Target device's CPU and memory.        i.e. during the Direct I/O setup phase, under the program        control of its Direct I/O Manager, Direct I/O operation        configures resources including source buffers, destination        buffers, first party busmaster DMA devices on associated source        and destination I/O devices for direct peer transfers, peer I/O        interrupt controller associated with the busmaster DMA device to        signal from one peer I/O device to the other peer I/O device to        transfer one or more sequence of data without any involvement of        the host CPU or I/O processor, Direct DMA chaining associated        with the busmaster DMA device to self-configure and        auto-configure the busmaster DMA device to reload DMA        configuration parameter associated the subsequent data segment        upon completion of the current data segment. This is critical to        perform data movement from one data segment to a next data        segment without processor intervention during the entirety of        data transfer session. As the results of the above        functionalities, content is transferred from the smart storage        unit I/O controller to the network unit I/O controller using the        I/O BUS independent of its CPU and main memory. Then the network        unit I/O controller transfers the content to the storage unit        I/O controller of the Smart personal device. The Smart personal        device with the smart I/O controller have the option to directly        transfer the content from its smart network unit I/O controller        to the smart storage I/O unit controller independent of its CPU        and main memory operate effective under control of the Direct        I/O Manager. The Direct I/O method improves the speed        performance and reduces power consumption of the device since        the CPU and main memory are not active during the content        transfer operation. Upon completion, the Smart personal device        will alert the user that such contents are ready for display at        user's convenience.    -   In yet another embodiment, the present invention may, upon its        user's command, using “pull” method amongst neighboring Target        devices as well as content host Target devices across the        internet; instead of having contents, such as web        advertisements, being “pushed” onto the Smart personal device        without the consent of the user, the Smart personal device will        operate effectively to block all non-authorized intrusive        contents from displaying on the Smart personal device or target        devices without the consent of the user; instead it offers user        an option to specify a desire content criteria for the Smart        personal device to perform search directly, or indirectly        through another intermediary web based service on user's        specified criteria. Once the relevant criteria are found, a        matched content list will be generated by the Smart personal        device to enable the user to review the list at one's        convenience. If the user elects to view one or more (or all) of        the match content from the list, the Smart personal device is        operable effective to PULL the selected content from the storage        area of the various content hosts, which may be over the        Internet or Target device in its LAN environment. After the        completion of the PULL steps, content such as web advertisement        is stored onto the storage I/O unit controller of the Smart        personal device for display at user's convenience. The present        invention using “pull content” method for web advertisements        over internet as an example, such invention may apply to a        variety of contents over the Internet including but not limited        to pull relevant books content, relevant news content, relevant        sales contents, relevant advertisement promotion through the use        of banners, widgets, etc. and user-specified web target services        and information sources including but not limited to google.com,        facebook.com, youtube.com, amazon.com, uspto.gov, etc.    -   In another embodiment of the present invention, with the        presence of Internet content host and web based retailers such        as ebay.com and amazon.com, there is a prolific presence of web        based advertisement, in the forms of banners, widgets, whereby        advertisement campaign pushes these contents to device and being        displayed on a specific area of the output devices i.e. CRT,        LCD, HDTV of a device including but not limited to a smart        phone, a personal computer while a user accessing contents from        the Internet without consent of the user. Some of these        advertisement contents may be interesting to a user however the        majority of these web based advertisement are disruptive and        each takes away productive time and processing resources away        from the user. The present invention overcomes these pushed        intrusions by enabling the user to specify a finite set of        criteria for the Smart Device including to eliminate these        un-authorized contents by removing these contents before deliver        the content to the target; to use the specific filter option        specified by user to first search relevant content hosts over        the Internet directly or using an intermediary web services to        do so. Once a desirable content is found, the Smart personal        device will build a match content list and store the match        content list on the Smart personal device for the user to access        at one's convenience. Once a content within the matched list is        selected by the user, the Smart personal device will be operated        to “pull” these selected content from the content hosts and        store the matched content on the storage unit of the Smart        personal device for the user to access it at user's convenience        either directly on the Smart personal device or access (or        “push” these contents on one or more of the Target devices.    -   In another embodiment of the present invention, the smart        personal device may be used to facility locally delivered        service actions including installation, configuration, change        management, problem determination and fault isolation management        tasks in a home or business locations whereas a remote delivered        service actions is not effective, not viable or not available.        In such locally delivered service environment, a service        personnel uses the smart personal device to coordinate service        operations between a remote service host over the internet and a        service target which is locally present on premises. A cable        service company responding to a service call of an internet        signal loss to a HDTV or a PC, service personnel is dispatched        on site to use the smart personal device to perform problem        determination service action locally on the alleged problem on        network, and target device may include a HDTV or PC locally to        make sure the target device is operational, then use the smart        personal device to access contents stored from the internet        content host and deliver the contents to the target device to        verify that the communication function between the target device        and the smart personal device is fully operational.    -   DEACTIVATION: When the Smart personal device is no longer        proximate to the Target device, the Target device will        automatically be deactivated by the Smart personal device in the        present invention so the underlining data processing logic        including but not limited to the media CPU, main memory, input        and output controllers and associated input and output devices        and resume in a low power sleep state. Once the Target device        enters in the low power sleep state the only function running        under the low power sleep state is the activation detection        logic comprising, but not limited to, RFID, proximity sensor,        wake on LAN, and wake on USB units. In one embodiment of a        related invention, the Target device performs the role of        deactivation whereby the Target device identifies a Smart        personal device is no longer located proximate to the Target        device and performs all operations to deactivate the underlining        data processing logic including but not limited to the media        CPU, main memory, input and output controllers and associated        input and output devices and resume in a low power sleep state.

Having provided a description of some of the relevant terms used in thisdescription, the remaining portion of this section will describe theillustrations of the present invention.

A typical, well-known, system includes one or more Target devices whichcomprising a plurality of digital multimedia data processing systemswithin a home environment as a prior art of the present invention thatcan be used are illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 1. FIG. 1illustrates multiple Target devices in different locations and eachtarget device may deliver unique, different content and employ adifferent user interface to a user. The FIG. 1 comprises a HDTV 1 Targetdevice which is located in room 1 block 102, within block 102 comprisesHDTV home Target device 1 is a HDTV where it is physically located inlocation 1. The HDTV Target device 1 block 102 comprises a HDTV CoreMedia Processor unit (CPU) 104, main memory unit 106, input unitcontroller 110, output unit I/O controller and an I/O bus 108 connectedto each unit 104, 106, 110, and 112. The HDTV Target device 2, 120comprises a HDTV Core Media Processor unit (CPU) 124, main memory unit126, input unit controller 125, output unit I/O controller 129, storageunit I/O controller 127 and an I/O bus 128 which connects by each unit124, 126, 125, 127 and 129. The Music System Target device 3 130comprises an Audio Signal Processor unit (CPU) 134, main memory unit132, input unit controller 135, output unit I/O controller 137, and anI/O bus 138 which connects by each unit 134, 136, 135, and 139. ThePersonal Computer Target device 4 140 comprises a Central Processor unit(CPU) 144, main memory unit 146, input unit controller 145, storage unitI/O controller 147, output unit I/O controller 149 and an I/O bus 148which connects by each unit 144, 146, 145, 147 and 149. The input unitcontroller 110, 125, 135, 145 are capable of receiving signal whichcomprise the contents from one or more signal sources but not limited TVantenna, wireless Local Area Network (LAN). Each Target device receivecontents from the input unit controller, deliver the content to theoutput unit I/O controller using the I/O bus or at its option with orwithout the user's option to store the content in its storage unit I/Ocontroller for later delivery. One common characteristic for all Targetdevices in FIG. 1 is that all contents are received and deliveredlocally or stored locally at or near the physical presence of the Targetdevice for later access by the user on the Target device apparatus. Thisrestrict a user to access of all or any of the contents within certainfixed physical distance limitation of the Target device FIG. 2 is anexemplary system embodiment of a Smart personal device 240 being used inconjunction with a plurality of Target devices in the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2 a Smart personal device 240 isconnected with a HDTV with DVR Target device in location 5, 200 and aPersonal Computer Target device in location 6, block 220 whereas asdevice 200, 220 and 240 are attached to a network 252. Network 252 inthe exemplary system embodiment may include but not limited to awireless 802.11 ABGN communication network which conforms to a standardcommunications protocol such as 802.11a, b, g or n, a USB, a RFcommunication system, an infrared, a Bluetooth, a cellular communicationor a powerline-based communication network. The target device inlocation 5, 200 includes a proximity unit I/O controller 201, a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 202, main memory 204, COMM (Communication network)unit I/O controller 207, storage unit I/O controller 208, output unitI/O controller 209, all of which are interconnected with I/O bus 206.The proximity unit I/O controller 201 of the target device 200 mayinclude a RFID component which enables the smart personal device 204 toperform the discovery, and register steps described above. The remainingfunctional components 202, 204, 206, 207, 208, and 209 work inconjunction with the Smart personal device 240 to perform the steps ofactivation, content delivery, deactivation and content pull mode asshown with FIGS. 4, 6, and 8. Within the Target device in location 6,220, comprising a proximity unit I/O controller 221, a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 222, main memory 224, Comm unit I/O controller227, storage unit I/O controller 228, output unit I/O controller 229 areinterconnect with I/O bus 226 and the proximity unit I/O controller 221may comprise a RFID component which enables the smart personal device204 to discovery and register steps of device 220. The remainingfunctional components 222, 224, 226, 227, 228, and 229 work inconjunction with the Smart personal device 240 to perform the steps ofactivation, content delivery, deactivation and content pull mode asshown with FIG. 4, 6.

FIG. 3A is an exemplary system embodiment of a Smart personal device tobe used in conjunction with a plurality of Target devices in the presentinvention. In the illustrated embodiment 3A comprises a proximity I/Ounit controller 301, a central processing unit (CPU) 302, main memory304, comm unit I/O controller 306, storage unit I/O controller 312,output unit I/O controller 308 and each units are interconnected withI/O bus 310. The main memory 304 may comprises a static, read only,dynamic RAM whereas the storage unit I/O controller may comprisesnon-volatile storage including but not limited to IDE, SCSI, SATA, NAND,SD storage types.

FIG. 3B contains the same components 302, 304, 310 as discussed in FIG.3A with the addition of a Direct I/O manger 360 and smart comm unit I/Ocontroller 350 and smart storage unit I/O controller 352 and smartoutput unit I/O controller 308. Duo to the high definition and high datarate requirements of these Smart personal device, the I/O units 350,352, 358 in FIG. 3B of the present invention may including busmastercapability to direct transfer content between the main memory 304 andrespective I/O units, independent of the CPU 302 effective under programcontrol using the I/O bus 310; In the event of transferring bulk contenti.e. a digital movie, the Smart personal device in FIG. 3B may invoke aDirect I/O transfer mode wherein effective under program control of theDirect I/O Manager 360 to transferring content directly between a pairof said I/O units via said I/O bus as show in 360 a and 360 b, bypassingthe main memory and independent of the CPU. The Direct I/O Manager 360is operable to enable the Direct I/O Mode under program control for aTarget device improves not only the content transfer speed of the Targetdevice but also reduces the power consumption of the CPU and Memorysince these units area bypassed and inactive during the duration ofentire selected content transfer. FIG. 3B upon set up by the direct I/Omanager 360 under program control is operable to directly one of moredirect transfer path across the I/O bus 310 and delivery bulk contentsfrom the smart comm unit I/O controller 350 to the smart storage unitI/O controller by transferring the content across once, as shown withdata path 360 a using the I/O bus 310. The Direct I/O manager 360 iscapable of simultaneously enabling one or more such direct I/O operationpair across the I/O bus 310 as shown with data path 360 b wherein uponprogram control of direct I/O manager 360, the smart storage unit I/Ocontroller is capable of transferring bulk data to smart output unit I/Ocontroller once across the I/O bus 310, independent of the CPU 302 andmain memory 304. The direct I/O does not increase content delivery datarate but more significantly, by bypassing the CPU 302 and memory 304while performing the bulk data transfer, it significantly reduces thepower consumption of the Target device. The referenced program controlunder the direct I/O manager 360 is required to intercept thetraditional operating system file transfer operation which transfer theselected content between the two smart devices using the memory as abuffer. The direct I/O manager 360 performs the specific setup byallocating exclusive the use of the buffer space resident on each of thesmart unit I/O controller for the duration of the transfer session. Onlyafter completion of the bulk transfer session, the direct I/O manager360 will release the buffers on each smart unit I/O controller for otherusage.

With reference additionally now to FIG. 4, a logic flowchart is depictedrepresenting a system and method for performing by the Smart personaldevice to discovery, registration, activation, content delivery, anddeactivation of a Target device. Upon enablement by a user, the Smartpersonal device start the discovery step as shown in block 405 whereasthe Smart personal device scans all available devices, and controldevices i.e. cable modems, DSL router, Cable modem, DHCP configurationto determine past and current devices and any available configurationsexisted on networks. The step 405 may be performed using the proximityunit I/O controller of the smart personal device, alone or incombination with the proximity unit I/O controller of the target device.The Smart personal device is then required to scan any current Targetdevices from one location to another by physically moving the Smartpersonal device from one location to another so the Smart personaldevice identifies one or more Target devices located proximate to theSmart personal device uses its proximity sending device including butnot limited to the RFID sensor.

Once the discovery steps are completed, the Smart personal device asshown in block 410 will register all discovered Target devices,including one or more discovered Target devices which cannot be enabledfor the instant invention and one or more discovered Target deviceswhich are capable of performing at least one function of the Instantinvention. After the steps of block 410, the smart personal deviceenters in a state to identify a Registered Target device LocatedProximate to the Smart personal device as show in block 415. as shown inblock 420 whereby the Smart personal device identifies a registeredTarget device and based on the user's desire to transfer content to suchTarget device. The Smart personal device proceed to perform Activationsteps by remotely waking up the Target device if the Target device is ina low power sleep state or remotely configure the Target device to havea split screen mode if the Target device is currently being used byanother user and if the Target device is capable to such split screenoperation.

After block 420, the Smart personal device and the Target device areoperable in the content delivery mode as shown by block 430 while theSmart personal device is proximate to the Target device. The contentscan be sourced from the Smart personal device for the Target device toreceive and display or to receive and store, or to receive and store anddisplay on its output unit. In a reverse direction whereas the contentis sourced from the Target device for the Smart personal device toreceive and either display or store in its storage unit or both.

If and when the Smart personal device and the Target device which iscapable of performing the direct I/O mode under the program control ofits Direct I/O manager as shown by block 460 to enhance bulk contenttransfer by transferring the content once across its I/O bus independentof its CPU and memory with the added benefit of increased bulk contentdata rate while reducing power consumption of the device, Block 460 willenable the direct I/O to perform such operation.

At the completion of the content delivery steps and if the Smartpersonal device has no further usage of the Target device, the Smartpersonal device will deactivate the Target device as shown in block 480.Upon completion of block 480, the Smart personal device will return toBlock 415 ready state for further required operation from the user. Inthe event of the Smart personal device is no longer located proximate ofthe Target device while operating under the steps of FIG. 4, the Smartpersonal device will deactivate the current Target device as shown inblock 480 and operating under the logic flowchart representing a systemand method steps presented in FIG. 6 below.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary system embodiment of a Smart personal device 540,a HDTV with PVR Target device in location 3 as show block 500 and aPersonal Computer Target device in Location 4 as shown in bock 520; andeach device is connected with a communication network block 522. TheSmart personal device 540 which has all the capability of the Smartpersonal device 240 as shown in FIG. 2 with additional Direct I/O Modecapability which effective operates under program control of Direct I/OManager block 546 to direct transfer content from block 547 and block548 across only once using the I/O bus 546 independent of the CPU block542 and main memory 544. Due to the high definition and high data raterequirements of these Smart personal device, the I/O units 572, 548, and549 in block 540 of the present invention may include busmastercapability to directly transfer content between the main memory 544 andrespective I/O units, independent of the CPU 542 effective under programcontrol using the I/O bus 546; In the event of transferring bulk contenti.e. a digital movie, the Smart personal device block 540 may invoke aDirect I/O transfer mode wherein effective under program control of theDirect I/O Manager 546 to transferring content directly between a pairof said I/O units via said I/O bus as show in 560 b, bypassing the mainmemory an independent of the CPU. Using the Direct I/O Mode for a Targetdevice improves not only the content transfer speed of the Target devicebut also reduces the power consumption of the CPU and Memory since theseunits area bypassed and inactive during the duration of contenttransfer. The Personal Computer Target device in Location 4 as shown inbock 520 which is similar to the Target device in block 240 in FIG. 2with the additional Direct I/O Mode capability which effective operatesunder program control of Direct I/O Manager block 546 to direct transfercontent from block 547 and block 548 across only once using the I/O bus526 independent of the CPU block 522 and main memory 524. Target device520 of the present invention is operable to meet the high definition andhigh data rate requirements as its I/O units 572, 528, and 529 inlocation 4 may including busmaster capability to direct transfer contentbetween the main memory 424 and respective I/O units, independent of theCPU 522 effective under program control using the I/O bus 526; In theevent of transferring bulk content i.e. a digital movie, the Targetdevice in location 4 block 520 may invoke a Direct I/O transfer modewherein effective under program control of the Direct I/O Manager 526 totransferring content directly between a pair of said I/O units via saidI/O bus as show in 560 a, bypassing the main memory an independent ofthe CPU. Using the Direct I/O Mode for a Target device improves not onlythe content transfer speed of the Target device but also reduces thepower consumption of the CPU and Memory since these units area bypassedand inactive during the duration of content transfer.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of the Instant invention illustrating one flowof interaction of a Smart personal device transitioning from a firstTarget device in one location to a second Target device in a differentlocation. As shown by block 600 of FIG. 6 and the Smart personal deviceis delivering content to a Target device and it detects that the Smartpersonal device is no longer proximate to the registered Target deviceas shown by Block 630, The Smart personal device may automaticallyenters a Transparent Cache Mode whereby the Smart personal device storesthe ongoing live content in its local storage including but not limitedto IDE, ATA, SATA hard disk drive media or USB, NAND, FLASH mass storagedevice or remotely to a storage medium remote from the Smart personaldevice such as on the network or a removable storage area as shown byblock 635 without user intervention. This Transparent Cache Mode willcontinue as show by block 640 till the Smart personal device identifiesanother registered Target device located proximate to the Smart personaldevice with similar content delivery capability of the previous Targetdevice or the prior Target device itself as shown by block 640. At suchtime, the Smart personal device will automatically without userintervention to activate the new Target device as shown by block 645followed by delivering content from stored storage from the beginning ofthe stored content under the Transparent Cache Mode as shown in block650 while the new Target device is located proximate to the Smartpersonal device till it reaches the end of the stored content of theTransparent Cache Mode cache content. The Smart personal device of thepresent invention under the block 650 may simultaneously deliver cachedcontent to the new Target device and continually storing content underthe Transparent Cache Mode as long as there is stored content of theTransparent Cache Mode which is not yet delivered to the Target device.As shown in block 655, If the Smart personal device detects either theTarget device or the Smart personal device or both are Direct I/Ocapable device, it will under program control to activate the Direct I/Omanager to enabled the Direct I/O delivery mode for these devices.

An exemplified system and method of the present invention illustratesthe steps of the FIG. 6 including but not limited to a user movingaround from room #1 to room #2. While the Smart personal deviceidentifies and activates a first registered Target device locatedproximate to the Smart personal device at a first time and deliverscontent to a HDTV Target device #1 in room #1 for the duration while theSmart personal device is proximate to the Target device #1. When theSmart personal device is no longer proximate to the Target device #1 atthe second time, the Smart personal device deactivates the first targetdevice and suspends the delivery to the Target device #1 and maintains amap (see FIG. 9 and related discussion) for those portions of theselected content which has been delivered, those portions of theselected content which have been both delivered and performed by thetarget and those portions what are not yet delivered When the Smartpersonal device identifies a second registered Target device (a PersonalComputer #2 of room #2) located proximate to the Smart personal deviceafter the second time, the Smart personal device activates the newTarget device and resumes delivering the remaining content using the mapstarting from at least one the location of the portions of the contenthas yet to be delivered and the location of the portions of the contentyet to be performed for the duration while the Smart personal device isproximate to the new Target device. The smart personal device isoperable to use the map to select the location of the portions of thecontent yet to be delivered or the location of the portions of thecontent yet to be performed is to ensure the user experiences minimalinterruption of the content while the smart personal device is movingfrom the first location to second location. If the first target deviceis able to buffer up to five minutes of delivered content from the smartpersonal device but only performed only one minute of the deliveredcontent before being deactivated by the smart personal device, the smartpersonal device may select to resume by selecting the location of theportions of the content after the first minute to the second targetdevice. If however if the first target device requires realtimestreaming of content or no buffering for the delivered content, thesmart personal device may select to resume by selecting the location ofthe portions of content yet to be delivered. Another embodiment of thepresent invention illustrates the steps of the FIG. 6 including but notlimited to a user listens to the content of a Digital Music System(Target device #3) in one's home whereby the Target Divice#3 is aregistered Target device of the Smart personal device and is locatedproximate to the Smart personal device whereby content was provided by aFM digital content provider and being received by Smart personal devicewithout the need to store the content on the storage area of the Smartpersonal device and delivered to the Target device #3 while the Smartpersonal device is proximate to the Target device #3. The user leavesthe home location and enter in user's automobile which has a registereddigital speaker system (Target device#4) with the Smart personal deviceand such that the new Target device #4 has similar capability ofreceiving the content as of the Target device #3. While the user isleaving his home and entering the automobile, the Smart personal devicein the present invention has identified that the Target device #3 is nolonger proximate to the Smart personal device, it deactivates the Targetdevice #3 and entered the Transparent Cache Mode without user action andstores FM broadcasting content at the time. At a later time when theSmart personal device identifies the Target devices #4 located proximateto the Smart personal device, it automatically activate the speakersystem in the automobile without user action and deliver the storedcontent to the Target device #4 without interruption to the FMbroadcasting content.

With the presence of Internet content host and web based retailers suchas ebay.com and amazon.com, there is a prolific presence of web basedadvertisement, in the forms of banners, widgets, whereby advertisementcampaign pushes these contents to device and being displayed on aspecific area of the output devices i.e. CRT, LCD, HDTV of a deviceincluding but not limited to a smart phone, a personal computer while auser accessing contents from the Internet without consent of the user.Some of these advertisement contents may be interesting to a userhowever the majority of these web based advertisement are disruptive andeach takes away productive time and processing resources away from theuser. The present invention overcomes these pushed intrusions byenabling the user to specify a finite set of criteria for the SmartDevice including to eliminate these un-authorized contents by removingthese contents before deliver the content to the target; to use thespecific filter option specified by user to first search relevantcontent hosts over the Internet directly or using an intermediary webservices to do so. Once a desirable content is found, the Smart personaldevice will build a match content list and store the match content liston the Smart personal device for the user to access at one'sconvenience. Once a content within the matched list is selected by theuser, the Smart personal device will be operated to “pull” theseselected content from the content hosts and store the matched content onthe storage unit of the Smart personal device for the user to access itat user's convenience either directly on the Smart personal device oraccess (or “push” these contents on one or more of the Target devices.In one embodiment of the present invention, the stored content will bedisplayed only on the target location of the output display device as ifthe content is being pushed by the advertisement campaign. In anotherembodiment of the present invention, the matched content is beingreorganized by the Smart personal device so the user can access themwithout the restriction being shown at the original target location. Anexemplified system and method of the present invention illustrates inFIG. 7 including a Smart personal device block 790 comprising aproximity unit I/O controller, a CPU 782, Main Memory 784, smart communit I/O controller 786, smart storage unit I/O controller, output unitI/O controller 789 and each is connected by the I/O bus 788; The Smartpersonal device 790 is further connected to Internet block 780 usingincluding but not limited to a wi-fi network or an Internet serviceprovider's data network including but not limited to dial-up, DSL,Broadband wireless access, cable internet, ISDN while accessing Internetcontent hosts including but not limited to block 720, 740, 760 andservice providers. The smart comm unit I/O controller 786 may comprisesat least one of more communication devices within which it maysimultaneously connects to the internet cloud networks 780, and a localarea network 772 in location 1 or a local area network 778 in location8. When the smart personal device 790 is proximate to one of the targetdevice within location 770 or location 778, the smart personal device790 will activate either target device X using connection 705 or targetdevice Y using connection 706. The smart personal device 790 is coupledto target device X on location 1 block 774 of network 772 or targetdevice Y of location 2 block 778 on network 774, the smart personaldevice will activate one of the target device which is proximate thesmart personal device 790 Once the smart personal device 790 activatesthe target device, the smart personal device may use methods of deliverycontents referenced above.

With reference additionally now to FIG. 8, a logic flowchartrepresenting a system and method for performing the Pull Mode by theSmart personal device. Upon enablement by a user as shown on block 830,the Smart personal device start to scan Internet content host which isremotely located over the Internet and local Target device for contentswhich matches the selection criteria i.e. sales on a specificautomobile, specific tools, travel discounts to a specific destination .. . etc. Once one of more matches are found, the smart personal devicebuilds a Match Content List as shown on block 835 and “pull” the matchcontent and store the content on a storage area of its local storageunit or store the content on a removable and network storage which canbe accessed by the Smart personal device Block 840. If the Smartpersonal device is enabled with the Direct I/O Delivery Mode, Block 850,the Smart personal device will under program control to activate theDirect I/O manager 785 to enabled the Direct I/O delivery mode forpulling these match content from block 786 to block 788 across the I/OBus 728 only once as shown by block 560 a independent of the CPU 782 andmain memory 784.

With reference additionally to FIG. 9, a diagram of the storage system(a map of storage at different times during the processing of data ofthe present invention) shows how a method and system of the presentsystem keep track of those portions of the selected content which havebeen at least delivered (or delivered and performed) and those portionsof the selected content which have not been delivered, thus notperformed. Prior to content being selected for delivery, a map iscreated to subdivide the selected content into a sequence of portionswhich may be represented by number of bytes, number of seconds, ornumber of frames shown in storage 910, consisting of stating segmentsnumber 910A and ending segment number 910J, segments which areidentified with the reference numerals 910A, 910B, 910C, 910D, 910E,910F, 910G, 910H, 910I, 910J. In addition, both a delivery pointer 920and a performed pointer 930 are initialized and located to reference theportion number segment 910A. As the proximity device of the smartpersonal device identifies and activates a target device and only whilethe smart personal device is proximate to the target device, thecommunication device of the smart personal device starts deliveringportions selected content by way of a sequenced segment at a time to thetarget device and uses the map of FIGS. 9a-9c to keep track whatportions of the storage (with selected content) have been delivered tothe target device as shown by FIG. 9b arrow 920, where segment 910Fincludes delivered content and FIG. 9b arrow 930 where segment 910Eincludes performed content. Additionally to track those portions whichhave been delivered, the smart personal device is also able to keeptract those portions which have been performed by the target device asshown by arrow 930. FIG. 9c shows at the completion of content delivery,both the arrow 920 which keep tract of those portions of the selectedcontents which has been delivered and arrow 930 which keep tract ofthose portions of the selected contents which has been performed bothpoint to the ending segment number 910J.

The tracking of those portions which have been performed may beimplemented by at least one of the method using the smart personaldevice alone by setting up during its configuration phase for the targetdevice to request addition content only after a fixed number of receivedportions are yet to be performed or by a method of a communicationmethod whereas the target device reports back to the smart personaldevice those portions of the received contents have been performed onthe target device. When the smart personal device moving from a firsttarget device of a first location to a second target device of a secondlocation, the proximity device of the smart personal device maydeactivate the first target device thus terminate the content deliveryand resume the content delivery only while the smart personal device isproximate to the second target device in the second location. The smartpersonal device by using the map to delivery those portions of thecontent using at least one of the delivered pointer and the performedpointer based on a desired mode of operation including a userpreference, a desire quality of non-interruption of the content deliverywhile the smart personal device is moving from the first target deviceto the second device. The present invention in consideration of a userwho prefer to not miss any contents while moving from a first locationto a second different location may configure the smart personal deviceto resume content delivery from the arrow 930 (including deliver datafrom segment 910F as show in FIG. 9b even though the said segment hasalready delivered to the previous device in the first location) whichkeep tract of those portions of the selected contents which has beenperformed by the previous device from the first location. The presentinvention may enable a user who prefer not to care of certain missedcontents while moving from a first location to a second differentlocation may configure the smart personal device to resume contentdelivery from the arrow 920 (including deliver data from segment 910G asshow in FIG. 9b since content 910A-910F has already delivered to theprevious device in the first location) which keep tract of thoseportions of the selected contents which has been delivered by theprevious device from the first location.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention hasbeen described in illustrative form only and that many modifications arepossible without departing from the spirit of the resent invention. Forexample, smart personal device in the present invention is a hardwareand software component which is integrated or embedded with a portabledevice including but not limited to a smart phone, a personal computer,a laptop, a netbook, a GPS, a personal multimedia player, video MP3player, a portable radio or a tablet PC. A smart personal device can aswell be a standalone, special purpose device which comprises one or moreof the features described in the above paragraphs either alone or in acombination of other features. Additionally, ad sifting system andmethod for matched content, turning off power for these target device nolonger in proximate of the smart personal device. Those skilled in theart will also appreciate that some of the features described can beemployed to advantage without the corresponding use of other features.For example, the use of RFID is desirable for discovering a targetdevice, though not required if the smart personal device is equippedwith the use of a pattern recognition feature, or an optical component,or a bar code component either alone or in combination with the use ofthe RFID component to discover a target device. It will be understoodthat the present invention is described in connection with varioussystems such as communications protocols which are in use today, but thepresent invention is not restricted to the presently-used communicationsprotocols. Also, many additional features can be added to the presentinvention including but not limited to a usage timer which meters eitherthe time used on the smart device by the user, or the network bandwidthused for delivering content, a storage used to store the content . . .etc. In addition, actions taken when the smart personal device locatedproximate to the target device can include or replace with a locationspecific feature such a GPS. Accordingly, the foregoing descriptionshould be considered as merely a description of the present inventionand not in limitation of it, as the scope of the present invention isdefined by the claims which follow.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A data processing device operable to communicatecontents with target devices, comprising: a hardware processor; astorage, accessible to the hardware processor, configurable to store atleast: a selected content, and target device characteristics, includinga characteristic of a first target device and a characteristic of asecond target device; a proximity device; the proximity device beingconfigurable to detect proximity to the first target device and provideto the hardware processor a first target device indication indicatingthe proximity of the first target device; the proximity device beingconfigurable to detect proximity to the second target device and provideto the hardware processor a second target device indication indicatingthe proximity of the second target device; the hardware processor beingconfigured to communicate a first content, of the selected content, withthe first target device, in accordance with the characteristic of thefirst target device, while receiving the indication of the proximity ofthe first target device, and then to cease the communication of thefirst content when the hardware processor is no longer proximate to thefirst target device; and the hardware processor being configured tocommunicate a next content, of the selected content, with the secondtarget device, in accordance with the characteristic of the secondtarget device, while receiving the indication of the proximity of thesecond target device, and then to cease the communication with the nextcontent when the hardware processor is no longer proximate to the secondtarget device.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein at least one ofthe first content is received and rendered by the first targetprocessing device and the next content is received and render by thesecond target device.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein at leastone of the ceasing the communication of the first content with the firsttarget device and the communication of the next content with the secondtarget device occurs without user intervention.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein the first content and the next content are adjacentcontent stored in the storage.
 23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein atleast one of the first content activates the first target device and thenext content activates the second target device.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein at least one of the characteristic from the firsttarget device is stored to the first content and the characteristic fromthe second target device is stored to the next content.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein at least one of the characteristic fromthe first target device is stored to the first content and the nextcontent is received by the second target device.
 26. The apparatus ofclaim 25, wherein the said stored characteristic from the first targetdevice is received by the second target device.
 27. A data processingdevice is operable to receive contents related to target devices,comprising: a hardware processor; a storage, accessible to the hardwareprocessor, including: a stored content, and target devicecharacteristics, including a characteristic of a first target device anda characteristic of a second target device; a proximity device; theproximity device being configurable to detect proximity to the firsttarget device and provide to the hardware processor a first targetdevice indication indicating the proximity of the first target device;the proximity device being configurable to detect proximity to thesecond target device and provide to the hardware processor a secondtarget device indication indicating the proximity of the second targetdevice; the hardware processor being configured to receive a firstcontent, of the stored content, including the characteristic of thefirst target device, while receiving the indication of the proximity ofthe first target device, and then to cease to receive the first contentwhen the hardware processor is no longer proximate to the first targetdevice; and the hardware processor being configured to receive a nextcontent, of the stored content, including the characteristic of thesecond target device, while receiving the indication of the proximity ofthe second target device, and then to cease to receive the next contentwhen the hardware processor is no longer proximate to the second targetdevice.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the first contentincludes an advertisement information of the first target device, andthe the next content includes an advertisement information of the secondtarget device.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the hardwareprocessor received the advertisement information of the first targetdevice without communicating with the first target device and thehardware processor receives the advertisement information of the secondtarget device without communicating with the second target device. 30.The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the hardware processor received atleast one of the the first content and the next content without userintervention.
 31. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the characteristicsof the first and second target devices are stored in the storage withoutusing the hardware processor.
 32. A data processing device is operableto communicate contents with a target device, comprising: a hardwareprocessor; a storage, accessible to the hardware processor, configurableto store at least: a selected content, and target devicecharacteristics, including a characteristic of the target device; aproximity device; the proximity device being configurable to detectproximity to the target device and provide to the hardware processor atarget device indication indicating the proximity of the target device;the hardware processor being configured to communicate with the selectedcontent, and in responding to a signal, suspending the communicationwith the selected content; and the hardware processor being configuredto resume the communication of the selected content with the targetdevice, in accordance with the characteristic of the target device,while receiving the indication of the proximity of the target device,and then to cease the communication of the selected content when thehardware processor is no longer proximate to the target device.
 33. Theapparatus of claim 32, wherein the hardware processor being configuredto render the selected content to the target device.
 34. The apparatusof claim 33, the hardware processor resuming the communication of theselected content with the target device occurs without userintervention.
 35. A data processing device is operable to communicatecontents with a target device, comprising: a hardware processor; astorage, accessible to the hardware processor, configurable to store atleast: a selected content, and target device characteristics, includinga characteristic of the target device; a proximity device; the proximitydevice being configurable to detect proximity to the target device andprovide to the hardware processor a target device indication indicatingthe proximity of the target device; the hardware processor beingconfigured to communicate with a first content of the selected content,and while communicating with the first content, receiving the indicationof the proximity of the target device, and ceasing the communicationwith the first content of the selected content; and the hardwareprocessor being configured to resume to communicate with a next content,of the selected content, with the target device, in accordance with thecharacteristic of the target device and then to cease the communicationwith the next content, when the hardware processor is no longerproximate to the target device.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35, whereinthe first content is rendered to the hardware processor and the nextcontent is rendered to the target device.
 37. The apparatus of claim 36,wherein the hardware processor being configured to render the nextcontent to both the target device and the hardware processor.
 38. Theapparatus of claim 36, wherein at least one of the ceasing rendering ofthe first content to the hardware processor and starting rendering ofthe next content to the target device occurs without user intervention.39. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the first content and the nextcontent are adjacent content stored in the storage.
 40. The apparatus ofclaim 35, wherein the next content activates at least one portion of thethe target device.
 41. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the hardwareprocessor rendered effective, in response of communicating the nextcontent with the target device, for the target device to receive andrender a new selected content.
 42. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein aportion of the first content is stored in a temporary buffer accessibleto the hardware processor when ceasing the communication of the firstcontent.
 43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the said content storedin a temporary buffer is included with the next content.